MagnaTronX Install and Field Testing

[Tinbender59]

thought I would start a new thread for this phase

The long awaited time is here! The MagnaTronX Is assembled, bench tested, and ready to install. I do still have to build a small circuit to protect the ECU inputs, basically what I used on the test bench.
As stated in the other thread, the plan is to have it running on the MagnaTronX by the end of next weekend, the only problem I see is if the reluctor is on the wrong Cycle, or out of time, but really that is as simple as making a new reluctor. This is why I’ll be using the water pump spacer that Chris has so gracefully supplied; I’ll get pictures of this as it goes together. .
The LT1 has the TPI holes drilled and tapped in the heads, this is to fix a really ugly fubar with the first TPI lower. Cam is going in, in the morning and then reassembly starts.
I am also going to research a better seal for the water pump drive in the timing chain cover, I don’t know about you all but mine leaks bad. It is a pretty poor excuse for a seal IMO, I want to find a double lip seal. I know that there should be something out there, heck!! Motorcycles use seals that are smaller than these???
Lastly, does anyone know how to get CMP/CKP offset reading in EFILive? This will be quite helpful in the testing phase of the MagnaTronX.

[Ccreddell]

That book we downloaded (not sure which one of the three) addresses the seal problem-and it has to do with the way it's installed.

[Tinbender59]

cam/lifters are in, changing Valve springs and seals tomorrow AM, maybe get the lower intake bolted back on?? still have some mods to do to it. the ECU buffer prototype is assembled, ( it is small enough to fit inside the opti housing with the sensor). should have it mounted tomorrow as well. moving slowly, but it is moving.

[superspirit]

awesome work, still watching.

[Tinbender59]

I was able to get the buffer connected to the sensor, and tested the complete circuit, it does work!!! the work continues

[Tinbender59]

I suffered another 2 1/2 hour setback today, the LUNATI cam that I have is not drilled for the shaft on the back of the OPTI. my choices were delay up to 2 weeks getting it rectified or swap the original cam back in. Since I NEED the truck this weekend, I opted for the latter, It did run well anyway; so it is not a huge setback. I had hoped to have the top, fuel lines, and headers back on today, BUT OH WELL!!! such is life at my house LOL!! I hope to pick up the new seals tomorrow, then ~~Maybe get the front of the motor on?? depending how big of a fight the pan seal gives me.
the good thing I would guess I hadn't installed the TPI runners and upper, saved myself that money

[superspirit]

So, you're sayin lunati's version of the Hotcam wont work on the LT1's ? bummer. dont understand a company that copies an LT1 part and doesnt make it to spec for an LT1.

[firebird_1995]

Can you take it to a machine shop and get it fixed?

[Tinbender59]

Super spirit; they make 2 versions, one LT1 compatable , and one SBC compatable, and yes firebird I will do that later, or use it in the next project?? I"m just not going to hold you guys up any longer than nessary. plus the son wants to go cut firewood Saturday. lol i aint gonna say no to help with firewood. :D:D

[superspirit]

Tin man, I am running the Hotcam in my LT1, and honestly, I dont feel it's right for a truck. it's a good cam in my little S10 blazer but doesnt have enough low end torque to put it in a truck. JMO

[Ccreddell]

Yeah, it may be a blessing in disguise....

[Tinbender59]

Tin man, I am running the Hotcam in my LT1, and honestly, I dont feel it's right for a truck. it's a good cam in my little S10 blazer but doesnt have enough low end torque to put it in a truck. JMO

so I have been told, I took it as a sign to back off! at least on this build. some times what we think we want, isn't what we really need to be doing. I believe that it was that same quiet voice again, and Corey knows of whom I speek .

[Ccreddell]

Yeah, it pays to listen...

[Tinbender59]

here is a look at the basic setup, the cap and rotor will fit as it it were still an Opti. it is complete and ready for testing how be it "not clocked correctly" lol

[Tinbender59]

wow I am slow!!!! I just looked back at some of my other posts, this has been 3 years in the making!!! My, how time flies when you are not having fun! sorry for the long delays.

[KoolPwny]

What exactly is this? An opti replacement?

[Tinbender59]

What exactly is this? An opti replacement?

yes and no! lol it is a modified Opti housing that will put out a 2X signal allowing LTX owners to switch to the 411 ECU.

I am finally gaining ground, after 6 blown out holes and a broken Tap, I finally have the TPI, ACC bracket, headers, and water pump back on and in place.

[Tinbender59]

Ok guys, motor is back together, need to fill it with oil, water, install the cap and rotor (vortec) then light it off. I will drive for a bit, then Saturday (if nothing comes up) switch it to the MagnaTronX, and see if I am 180 out or dead on. stay tuned

[Tinbender59]

Two steps forward, and then one back!!! finally lit the truck off adjusted the rocker arms, had to pull the fuel rails - (had a cut O-ring on #3 injector) cot it all closed up, installed alternator, went to put the accessory belt on, then I found a big problem. the spacers that I used behind the WP to give me access to the MagnaTronX with out pulling the WP, are in the way of the automatic belt tensioner; long story short I cant get the belt on the truck. Time for plan Q,:atomic: A through P have been used already :lol: So the best plan that I can come up with at this moment is to get it running on the MagnaTronX before I pull the truck out of the shop???

[firebird_1995]

I take it you're not running lt1 accessories

[Ccreddell]

He's running a Vette FEAD. Dont feel bad, I couldnt picure it either...

[Tinbender59]

yes it is the LT1 Vette Accessory system, everything is on the LH side. I did not want to cut my frame up. https://www.flickr.com/photos/tinbender59/12313465023/ You can't see the tensioner real well but it is just left of the power steering pully

[firebird_1995]

Can you remove it to install the opti

[Tinbender59]

Can you remove it to install the opti

I'm going to leave the WP allone for now, Ill keep the charger on the battery, and work through the MagnaTronX. get it running that is. then put the WP back where it belongs

[Tinbender59]

well Shat!!!! about 45 min to an hour more, I will be ready to kick it off on the MagnaTronX, or at least try to. I have the quick disconnect in place, the MagnaTronX is within 4 degrees or the Vortec Distributor. need to conect power and ground to the MagnaTronX, reinstall cap and rotor on the Vortec, then kick it. Had to quit and come to work: dang blast grumble grumble lol !!!!

[Tinbender59]

I've hit a snag, the motor has a miss now, possable bad injector. I gotta get the truck back up and running so I will be putting a Vortec back in. I then will set the LT up on a start and run stand, to work out the details on my mods where I can get to them. so we are on hold for a while. sorry guys, I'll get a new thread started when I get back to it. I did pick up a 1976 El Camino for road testing this setup. lol

[Tinbender59]

hay guys sory for the long sabatical, shat has been INSANE at my place, my oldest son's PTSD hit the wall and we almost lost him, dont ask, the answer is yes!!.

ok back on subject, will soon be back on this, I have found a "new technology" sensor, that hopefully I will have some in my grimy little paws in 3 or 4 months. That will allow a more streanlined conversion. may be able to use the window wheel as well, that would make things way way easer. Ill be back asap

[popo8]

Sorry about ur son. Glad it was only an "almost" tho...